Over the next several decades, as human populations grow and developing countries become more affluent, the demand for energy will soar. Parts of the energy sector are preparing to meet this demand by increasing renewable energy production, which is necessary to combat climate change. But many renewable energy sources have a large energy sprawl—the amount of land needed to produce energy—which can threaten biodiversity and conservation. Is it possible to meet this rise in energy demand, while still conserving natural places and species?

In Energy Sprawl Solutions, scientists Joseph M. Kiesecker and David Naugle provide a roadmap for preserving biodiversity despite the threats of energy sprawl. Their strategy—development by design—brings together companies, communities, and governments to craft blueprints for sustainable land development. This commonsense approach identifies and preemptively sets aside land where biodiversity can thrive while consolidating development in areas with lower biodiversity value. This approach makes sense for energy industries and governments, which can confidently build sustainability into their energy futures.

This contributed volume brings together experts in diverse fields such as biodiversity conservation, ecology, ecosystem services, wildlife, fisheries, planning, energy, economics, and finance. Early chapters set the context for global patterns of biodiversity risk from energy extraction and the challenges of achieving a green future while maintaining energy security. Middle chapters are devoted to case studies from countries around the world, each describing a different energy sector and the collaborative process involved in planning complex energy projects in a way that maximizes biodiversity protection. Detailed maps and charts help orient readers to countries and energy sectors, providing proof for what is possible.

With biodiversity declining rapidly because of an energy-hungry world, this book provides a needed guide for elected officials, industry representatives, NGOs and community groups who have a stake in sustainable energy-development planning.

Review Quotes

"With great clarity and urgency, the authors show that while trade-offs will be necessary, a clean energy future where both people and nature thrive is absolutely within our reach. Energy Sprawl Solutions is a must-read for anyone involved in energy decisions, from policymakers to business leaders to environmentalists."Mark R. Tercek, President and CEO, The Nature Conservancy; bestselling author of "Nature's Fortune"

"Energy Sprawl Solutions is a timely blueprint confronting the duel challenge of emission reductions and energy access so needed in developing countries. Its innovative solutions demonstrate how strong science, stakeholder engagement, and a willingness to compromise can produce significant conservation gains while also meeting economic objectives."Sanjaasuren Oyun, former Mongolian Minister of Environment and Green Development; President, UN Environment Assembly

"This book is a realistic and sobering look at world energy and biodiversity futures and analysis of the natural, social, and economic factors that determine how energy projects are implemented worldwide. Its conclusions, if heeded, can help policy makers prioritize feasible options and put humanity on a path to carbon-neutral sustainability."Steven W. Running, Regents Professor, University of Montana; Nobel Peace Prize co-recipient with IPCC

#ForewordFriday: Energy Sprawl and Wildlife Conservation

A growing energy footprint requires careful thought about our world’s energy mix, but even a renewable energy future is not necessarily a green one. Many renewable energy sources have a large footprint which can threaten biodiversity and conservation. With rising energy demands around the world expected to convert one-fifth of remaining natural lands, is it possible to balance energy development with biodiversity protection?

Edited by scientists Joseph M. Kiesecker and David E. Naugle, Energy Sprawl Solutions: Balancing Global Development and Conservationprovides a roadmap for an energy future that conserves functional and connected ecosystems. Informed by experts in diverse fields such as conservation, ecology, ecosystem services, landscape planning, energy, economics, finance, and more, this contributed volume calls for a collaborative approach that engages industry, the environmental community, national governments, and international agencies. We already have the tools necessary to forecast where and how energy development should take place to protect natural spaces. With this book, Kiesecker and Naugle show how.